On 15 April, the 8th annual Eco Fair organised by Pao parents was held in the Primary Division with the theme of 'Protecting the Earth'. Hundreds of parents, teachers and students participated. This year Pao School worked with Green Initiatives on the Eco Fair in support of Green Initatives' RE:FORM clothing recycling programme.
To kick off the Eco Fair, Executive Principal of the Primary Division Michael Spencer, Deputy Head Lucy Liu and the leadership of Green Initiatives signed a cooperation agreement. Per this agreement, Pao School's Eco Warriors from the Primary Division placed a recycling box on the front desk in the reception area of the Primary Division, which functions as a depository for second-hand clothing and serves to boost people's environmental awareness.
The Eco Fair this year also featured some fun entertainment. The Trashion Show provided children with an opportunity to use recycled items - everything from old newspapers to plastic bags and cardboard boxes - to make colourful clothing. The students then modelled their home-made clothing on stage to the delight of the audience.
There was further entertainment provided by the Grasshopper band, as well as a musical performance by Year 2 students, and student speeches about environmental protection. Students used song and dance to help raise people's awareness of why it is important to protect the environment.
In contrast to previous years, this year the Eco Fair's market was held indoors - in classrooms. This ensured organisers did not have to worry about weather conditions, and it also reduced costs and unnecessary waste. The market this year had a wide selection of products for sale, including bicycles, uniforms, books, toys, handicrafts and books. Unsold books will be donated to people in need in China's rural mountainous areas.
Most importantly, as noted by event organiser Annie, the Eco Fair helps to instill environmental awareness in Pao students from a young age. In this manner, students will be better equipped to meet the many challenges to our environment that we face on a daily basis. "Starting from a young age, Pao students are learning to work together to make our country and world greener and more beautiful," Annie says.
